Over the past 10 years we’ve ridden every trail through the Anti Atlas Mountains in order to create the perfect cycling tour. There’s everything from fast singletrack through palm trees, to ancient hairpinned muleteer’s routes and remote, rocky jeep tracks. As well as the amazing trails, there is stunning scenery, fantastic food, great hotels and one of the warmest welcomes in North Africa. En route you will pass through areas untouched by mass tourism, but also get a chance to interact with local people and really experience the culture of some of the indigenous Berber people who populate this area.

Itinerary

2Day 2Transfer to Tafraoute in the heart of the Anti Atlas mountains. Introductory ride through a lunar landscape, passing the famous painted Blue Rocks.

Setting off from Agadir in our four wheel drive vehicles, we drive across the plains of the Souss Valley. We climb into the heart of the Anti Atlas range, reaching the high mountain Pass of Tizi Mlil, above the old garrison town of Tafraoute (3 hour transfer). From here we descend on a rocky, vehicle width track down to Aguerd Oudad where we rejoin the vehicles, and head on to the gritty pistes through the extraordinary boulder strewn moonscape to the famous painted rocks. Following non-technical gravel tracks across the high altitude plains we return to Tafraoute on a mix of good tarmac and sections of sweeping singletrack through the beautiful palmeries. Today's ride is a relatively easy introduction to prepare us for the days to come.

3Day 3Spectacular ride through impressive gorges and lush palmeries around Ait Mansour. A rough and rocky day with 35km descent and optional climb.

Today's ride follows a spectacular route through the impressive gorges and lush palmeries around Ait Mansour. After a short transfer high into the mountains behind Tafraoute to Tizi Tasrite, we begin the 70km ride, descending through the landscape that contrasts so dramatically with what we saw yesterday. The ride descends through impressive gorges and follows dry riverbeds in places, where the scenery is superb, then we pass through many villages. 30km is off road and 40km is on tarmac, including some major downhill (and one long optional climb on tarmac), then we return to the hotel on the bikes. Back in Tafraoute we can relax in the hotel bar before spending the evening sharing a home-cooked meal and a carpet demonstration with a local family.
See more images and videos

4Day 4Circular route to Tizi Mlil Pass for a exhilarating descent to Tahala.

A short transfer takes us back to the high pass of Tizi Mlil (the start of Day 2ï¿½s ride). From here we take a 20km high mountain trail above Tafraoute leading to Tizi Tasrite. Stunning views of our previous ride is clearly visible far below. Before the village of Tasrite, there is a short optional singletrack section which leads on to the start of a superb 10km switchback, off road mountain descent. The first 4kms of the trail are rough and rocky (and are ridden without a support vehicle) then the trail gets smoother and the flowing gritty pistes return. A short section of smooth tarmac gives a little relief from the rocks, before rejoining a fantastic, fast flowing piste trail through the plains and oases of Tafraoute, where gazelle are sometimes seen grazing amidst the boulder strewn rocks. Reaching the small village of Tahala, there is 10km of gentle climbing on tarmac before we hit one last section of singletrack through the palmeries back to the hotel. Once back in Tafraoute there will be time to visit the town, or relax by the hotel pool.
See more images and videos

5Day 5Ride down to the old walled town of Tiznit. Optional visit to silver markets and traditional Hamman.

We drive for about an hour southwest from Tafraoute to the start of todayï¿½s ride. After a short off road climb to a high col, there is a choice of a steep technical singletrack descent (followed by a short climb), or a more leisurely piste trail with stunning views. We then take a superb switchback piste trail, nearly 20km down off the mountain, past a number of traditional villages en route to Anezi. A short tarmac stretch offers a break from the stony terrain, but the piste soon returns winding its way through a scenic valley and crossing riverbeds. At the end of the ride, we transfer approx 30 minutes to Tiznit, an old walled medina town famous for its silver markets. There is a traditional hammam (steam bath) here that we can visit in the late afternoon, or you can relax by the hotel pool.
See more images and videos

6Day 6Drive into High Atlas where the landscape is very different; ride through pine forests and mountain villages of the Tiqqi Gorge to Imouzzer.

After an early breakfast and morning transfer (approx. 3.5 hours) we arrive at the small village of Tiqqi in the foothills of the High Atlas. The landscape here is very different, with Pine and Cedar forests and remote mountainside villages dominating the area. Initially, our track leads past several untouched Berber villages. Mud houses are perched precariously under cliff edges, with locals looking on as we cycle through. After riding across country for several kilometres the track becomes slightly rockier, and we come to a spectacular gorge. Having lunch here, there is time to admire the views and contemplate the two afternoon climbs, before our final fast flowing cross-country ride down to tarmac. Rejoining the tarmac we cycle downhill for the last few kilometres to our hotel in Immouzer.
See more images and videos

7Day 7The ultimate off road finale, through remote villages down to the Atlantic Ocean for a swim; drive to Agadir.

The ultimate off road trail and a fitting finale to this biking adventure! From the hotel a spectacular descent takes us to the coast. Riding directly from the hotel, we take the short scenic tarmac road through the village of Immouzer, before ascending a rough track which gradually climbs for 6km onto a high mountain pass. From here the blast down to the coast begins with a spectacular 40km mountain descent. The trail is rough and rocky in places as it contours and gradually descends, offering amazing views over the mountains and to the coastline. Poor weather may make this particular route impassable, in which case we will make our way out of the mountains through the Paradise Valley. This route follows a spectacular winding tarmac road, dropping from the ridges around Immouzer, deep into a narrow gorge, abundant with palm trees and small oases. After a swim or stroll on the beach, we load the bikes onto the support vehicles for the last drive into Agadir (approx. 30 minutes), arriving in time for an optional, relaxing berber massage and a farewell dinner.

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You have a good level of fitness and are looking for a physically challenging holiday. Previous experience is essential for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Arrival & departure transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance

Bike hire (available locally from GBP100)

Single accommodation (available on request from GBP100)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels

You will spend 7 nights in good quality well located hotels. All the hotels have swimming pools and a nice outside area to relax after the days ride. The hotel in Tafraoute is a real highlight with a well stocked bar and a large outside seating area with fantastic views over the Anti Atlas Mountains.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required by British passport holders.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Tetanus and Hepatitis A. Holiday style

This trip is classified as off road and graded C - Challenging.
6 days cycling, average 50km/day, 75% off road (depending on how far you ride and which options are taken), 90% vehicle support (except on sections of days 2 and 4 and optional singletrack sections).
The tracks are mostly vehicle-width with singletrack options available on most days. Trails are generally good dirt and gravel tracks, though sometimes they are rough and rocky, particularly some sections on days 4, 6 and 7. There are some big climbs (500m+), though these are all optional, with the support vehicles available to give lifts whenever people wish, and of course masses of downhill. A good level of fitness and off road experience highly recommended.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners are included. Moroccan food is excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread, croissants and jam with tea or coffee and delicious freshly squeezed orange juice. Lunch will be prepared by the drivers and served on the bonnet of the 4x4 support vehicles, this will normally consist of bread, pasta, rice, salad and tuna. For dinner you can expect meat and vegetarian Tagine, couscous and omelettes. The support vehicles will carry a good selection of chewy bars and soft drinks. All of the hotels we use have bars serving coffee for about £1 and beer for around £1.50.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

Mountains can always make their own weather and as a result we may occasionally be forced to amend the itinerary for part of the trip, particularly on days that involve river crossings. On the plains, the days are usually warm to hot (above 25degC) but the nights are cooler. In the higher areas and the mountains, days should be warm or even hot in October and April, with clear skies, but the nights are often cold. On the high ridges of the High Atlas there is sometimes snow, but not normally enough to affect the areas we cycle in - in the event of a track being closed we will arrange a suitable alternative ride. Rainfall in the areas we visit is relatively low though there is a chance of rain particularly on trips in December, January and February. Although unusual, there is also the possibility of much colder weather during these times.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The last day was brilliant with amazing descent from up high down to the beach

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was good fun, very patient, good at punctures and ridiculously healthy (overtaking everyone on the hills and making it look easy)

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This trip is very tough and there is not a great deal of free time so be prepared, make sure your fit enough and it's probably best if you have a bit of off road experience (I never and it took a bit of getting used too)

First trip to Morocco - third with Exodus - This trip was one of the best I've been on - compares to any place on the planet for beauty - rocky trails superb and challenging - great hotels and great group - Liz was the best guide I've ever had (in 30 years of trips) - I'd do this trip again and again.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Descending through the villages - riding past the smiling people

What did you think of your group leader?

Fantastic - best ever

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Come and do it

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you enjoy cycling in any form, love being outdoors in a superb remote country then you will love this trip.
Seamless organisation with an extremely professional guide (Liz-you made it!!) resulted in one of the best holidays we have had.
How hard is it?? Don't underestimate the distances, but if you are a regular fit cyclist its straightforward, but a 7km ascent on single track is tough in anyone's book.
As one review which sold it to me said 'just do it', you will not be disappointed.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

travelling for hours with no signs of humans!!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was exemplary in her firm professionalism, a credit to Exodus, and handled all the situations with panache.
10 punctures in 10km did not ruffle her composure!
Extremely fit and enthusiastic about cycling earned ever bodies respect.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The fitter you are the more you will enjoy these trips but the 'wagon of shame' is there if you want a lift!!
Use the Exodus bikes, I was tempted to take my own, but if/when a mechanical happens it maybe tough to fix.
The 29 ers were great and Liz even had a spare bike for the worse scenario.
You need to carry nothing but 1 inner tube and a bottle as the support vehicles are there, so you can leave all your spare clothing/kit in them.

Having embarked on his first round the world trip at the age of 19 Marcus quickly found that the most important thing to him was to keep travelling for as long as he possibly could! This eventually led him to employment in the travel industry, where he has specialised in Africa, Latin America and sold most worldwide destinations for the last 6 years or so. Having spent 18 months teaching and travelling in South America, he would no doubt put that continent at the top of his list of favourite destinations, although Africa comes a very close second.

After a couple of backpacking trips to far flung places, the travel industry seemed the obvious path for Olly. Since joining Exodus, he's been fortunate enough to continue his travels on 'work' trips as often as possible. Thanks to Exodus he's developed a passion for trekking, and has been sent up Mont Blanc, Mt Toubkal, Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Stok Kangri, Mt Triglav, and the Inca Trail. He now resides in the Sales team.

Questions about your trip

Is there a bottle cage on the Moroccan bikes?

Yes, but we strongly recommend taking a Camelback or other bladder style water system, as it makes cycling and refueling much easier!

Ian Langford - Sales

Atlas Descent articles

Staff member Olly Townsend travelled on this trip and you can read his article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday.

Can you always guarantee a bike available to hire locally?

‘In-country’ bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Please note that there are a limited number of bikes available locally. We always have to match a person's height to the bike frame size and, as there are a limited amount of each size, we cannot always guarantee availability of the correct frame. Therefore it is recommended you add the local bike hire as early as possible.

Andy Ross - Product Manager

What is Moroccan food like?

Moroccan cuisine is very diverse, with many influeneces due to the interaction of Morocco with the outside world for centuries. The cuisine of Morocco is a mix of Berber, Moorish, Mediterranean and Arab influences. The main Moroccan dish most people are familiar with is couscous, usually eaten with beef or lamb. Chicken is also very common and the importance of seafood is increasing, especially on the coast. Vegetarians won't have any problems either, although choice can be more limited in remote locations.

The common and tasty tajine is everywhere, a mouth watering stew with meat and vegetables. Green tea with mint is the drink of choice, and you can pick up bocadillos (sandwiches) from street stalls everywhere - you won't go hungry!

Olly Leicester - Sales

What is the best way to take money to Morocco?

The Moroccan currency is the Dirham and cannot be imported or exported, as it is a 'closed' currency. We suggest you take your personal spending money in good condition notes, either in £, Euros or US$. Local costs - it depends! - £2-4 per day to cover postcards, small souvenirs, soft drinks etc; £15 a day for food is fine (if it's not included).

Danuta Janik - Morocco Operations

What kind of clothing is best in a Muslim country?

You are visiting a predominantly Muslim country, therefore you should dress modestly at all times when visiting cultural sites, and there may also be times when you are asked to 'cover up'. During your trip the tour leader will always advise you on appropriate dress for each day's activities.

If you are asked to 'cover up', you'll need to cover your shoulders, arms and legs. We recommend packing lightweight trousers or a long skirt, and a long sleeved shirt. Women may also be required to cover their hair with a scarf if entering a mosque or religious quarters.

Jim Eite - Product Manager

Will Ramadan affect my trip?

Please note that the holy month of Ramadan will take place during specific dates each year, the actual dates will be listed in the respective Trip Notes. This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However we will ensure that that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

How do I join the Departure Lounge (forum) in the Exodus Community?

To view the Forums, including the Departure Lounge, you do not need to be member of the Exodus Community, simply click on the Community link at the top of every page and read the posts in their respective sections by entering the Departure Lounge, or one of the other options in the list on the page.

To join in a discussion, if already a member, please sign in to your Exodus website account (not related to booking reservations) to contribute to the Forum. If you are not a member of the Exodus Community, you can register by clicking the 'Sign in' at the top of every webpage and select ‘Register’ within the drop down panel.

When viewing the Forum area of the website, as you scroll through the 'Rooms' which are set out by 'travel months' during the current year within the Departure Lounge. You can then select the 'month' of intended travel, then filter the list of trips that have already been created by fellow travellers to see if your trip is listed. If the trip you are travelling on is not in the list, you can start the process by clicking on the 'Post new forum topic' link above the list on the same page. If you do see your trip within the list, select it to view the 'discussion' by your fellow travellers and you can join in by completing the 'Post your comment' section below the discussion thread.

Please note: there might be slight a delay before your post/comment appears as intended because we moderate what is published on the website.

We hope you enjoy using the Departure Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and continue to contribute right up to the start of your journey with Exodus.

Responsible travel

We realise that every holiday destination is also someone else's home and that we should leave places as we found them. Find out more about how we incorporate responsible travel into our adventure and activity holidays, and how you can help by donating to one of our responsible travel projects.